Rado Golden Horse 11816 (1970-1979)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A classic and well-preserved example of Rado's Golden Horse line, this 1970s timepiece features a distinctive vertically brushed dial with the brand's signature rotating anchor logo and a classic cushion case design. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Reference Number: 11816 Serial Number: 35861248 Movement: 30-Jewel Automatic Dial: Vertically brushed champagne and silver Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +15+17s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The well-preserved champagne and silver dial features attractive vertical brushing that creates a dynamic backdrop for the crisp applied details. Faceted indices and an applied Rado logo provide depth, while the brand's signature rotating anchor sits at the 12 o'clock position. Day and date windows are positioned at 3 o'clock. The dial remains very clean overall, exhibiting minimal signs of aging. The original baton-style hands feature luminous inserts that show expected age-related darkening and patina. The metal surfaces of the hands display minor oxidation and micro-scratches consistent with the era. Case and Crystal The stainless steel cushion case retains its original brushed finishing on the top surfaces, transitioning to polished flanks. The integrated smooth polished bezel and case sides show moderate scratches and scuffs, with some minor dings visible on the lug edges, presenting honest wear consistent with age. The screw-down caseback features a deeply embossed medallion displaying the Rado seahorse motif. The original crown is signed with the Rado anchor logo, showing light wear on its knurled edges. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, remaining clear with no major scratches or cracks, though minor micro-scratches may be present under harsh illumination. Movement Inside is a 30-jewel gold-tone automatic movement, featuring an AS base caliber with the shield logo visible under the balance wheel. The movement is engraved with Rado and 30 Jewels signatures. Visually, the plates and bridges appear relatively clean, while the rotor shows some spotting and tarnishing. The timegrapher records a rate of +15+17s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The strap appears to be in new or very lightly used condition, complementing the vintage dial. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally clean, retaining strong vertical brushing and crisp applied elements. The stainless steel case shows honest age-related wear, including moderate scratches on the polished flanks and minor dings on the lugs, while preserving the contrasting brushed top surfaces. The luminous material on the hands has developed a dark patina, and the domed acrylic crystal is clear. Supported by the timegrapher results, the automatic movement is performing very strongly. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Golden Horse stands out through its highly legible, vertically brushed dial and the enduring charm of the rotating anchor logo. Housed in a quintessential 1970s cushion case, it represents a highly authentic and appealing example of Rado's mid-century design language. History The Golden Horse line occupies a significant place in Rado's archives, recognized for introducing robust mechanical watches with distinct visual character. The reference 11816 embodies the brand's 1970s aesthetic, utilizing a stainless steel cushion-style case that was highly characteristic of the decade's watch design. The dial is defined by Rado's signature rotating anchor logo at 12 o'clock, a mechanical novelty that became a hallmark of their automatic watches, alongside the applied twin seahorse emblem often found at 6 o'clock on these models. The screw-down caseback includes a deeply embossed medallion featuring a seahorse motif, a traditional Rado symbol from this era. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination. Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age. We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description. The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use. If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-GHX-0012